Deputy President Paul Mashatile has raked up close to R8m in expenditure on international trips since taking office in July 2024, with his office defending the expenses as necessary for advancing South Africa’s global agenda. The revelation came through parliamentary responses detailing visits to the UK, Ireland, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Japan.
The controversy intensified after details emerged of R956,057 for the stay during a March 2025 Japan visit. This equates to R239,000 per night if it were for four nights. ActionSA labeled the spending “wasteful expenditure” that could have built homes for those in need.
“The office of the deputy president wishes to reiterate Mashatile undertakes all international working visits not in his personal capacity but on behalf of the government as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa,” his office stated. The statement emphasized that visits aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and visited countries.
The Japan delegation included several cabinet ministers. Mashatile was accompanied by several ministers and deputy ministers, including minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie; minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen; minister of higher education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. The trip marked the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade.
The Ireland and UK working visits in September and October 2024 cost significantly more at R5,475,829.03, with accommodation in London alone costing over R3.2 million. Reports indicate South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile spent R346,000 a night for accommodation in London for him and his spouse, Humile Mashatile.
The Japan visit breakdown showed significant costs across various categories. The detailed breakdown showed that R613,214 was spent on flights, R1,235,569 on accommodation and R410,926 on ground transport. Additional expenses included R59,426 for laundry services and meals.
Mashatile’s office defended the Japan trip’s strategic importance. “The Japan working visit achieved several key objectives, including representing the first high-level engagement between SA and Japan in the past 10 years”. Officials noted Japan’s position as South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner.
The two regional trips to Botswana and Zimbabwe were comparatively modest at R52,867.58 and R56,166.20 respectively. These shorter trips utilized South African Air Force transport, significantly reducing costs compared to commercial flights.
Public scrutiny has intensified over government travel expenses across the cabinet. Ministers in the government of national unity have spent more than R200m on travel expenses since July last year, ActionSA has revealed. The opposition party continues demanding greater transparency in government spending.
The deputy president’s spouse accompanied him on international visits. Mashatile’s spouse, Humile Mashatile, accompanied the delegation and “participated in the Spousal Programme,” with her flight costs listed at R117,518.08 and ground transport at R73,592.80.
Despite mounting criticism, Mashatile’s office maintains all expenses followed proper protocols. Officials argue the visits strengthen crucial diplomatic and economic relationships, particularly ahead of South Africa’s G20 chairship and engagement with major trading partners.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over government spending priorities. Critics argue funds could address pressing domestic needs, while officials defend international engagement as essential for economic growth and diplomatic influence.
